By Emy Alefragki, Zoe Theodoropoulou, Evi Margka

Greek athletes delivered an inspiring performance at the 2024 Olympics, showcasing exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship. From stunning victories in athletics to strong showings in team sports, Greece reaffirmed its rich athletic tradition. The athletes’ dedication and resilience earned admiration on the global stage, highlighting their hard work and passion. Their performances not only celebrated Greece’s Olympic heritage but also inspired future generations to pursue excellence in sports.

Miltiadis (Miltos) Tentoglou is a Greek long jumper who has become one of the most successful athletes in his sport. Born on March 18, 1998, in Thessaloniki, he grew up in Grevena and began athletics at a young age. Tentoglou’s rise to fame started with impressive performances at junior competitions, including winning gold at the 2018 European Championships at just 20 years old. His career reached new heights at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won the gold medal with an incredible last jump of 8.41 meters. In addition to his Olympic success, Tentoglou has won multiple European Indoor and Outdoor Championships, as well as the 2022 World Indoor Championships. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Tentoglou once again proved his dominance by winning his second consecutive gold medal in the men’s long jump with a leap of 8.50 meters, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. He is known for his consistency, determination, and calm approach during competitions. Off the track, Tentoglou is admired for his humble personality and focus on improving his skills. His achievements have made him a national hero in Greece, and he continues to inspire young athletes with his hard work and success.

Apostolos Christou is a Greek swimmer known for his exceptional performances in backstroke events. Born on November 1, 1996, in Marousi, Greece, he has represented his country in multiple international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Christou made history at the 2022 European Aquatics Championships, where he won the gold medal in the 50-meter backstroke, setting a championship record of 24.36 seconds. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, he further cemented his legacy by winning the bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke, marking a historic achievement for Greek swimming. He has also earned medals in the World and European Championships, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Known for his powerful strokes and consistency, Christou is a key figure in Greek swimming, inspiring young athletes with his achievements.

Theodoros Tselidis is a talented Greek judoka who has gained recognition for his achievements in international judo competitions. Born on October 15, 1996, in Russia, he later moved to Greece and represents the country in the 90kg weight category. Tselidis achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning the bronze medal at the 2018 World Judo Championships, marking Greece’s return to the judo world stage after many years. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, he continued to showcase his talent by winning the bronze medal in the 90kg category, further solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Known for his strength, technique, and determination, Tselidis continues to compete at a high level, earning respect both in Greece and internationally for his dedication to the sport.

Antonios Papakonstantinou, born on March 18, 1999, is a distinguished Greek rower who has made significant strides in international rowing competitions. Specializing in lightweight events, he secured a gold medal in the lightweight single sculls at the 2022 European Rowing Championships.  In 2023, Papakonstantinou partnered with Petros Gkaidatzis in the lightweight double sculls. The duo clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 European Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia, and subsequently qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  At the Paris Olympics, Papakonstantinou and Gkaidatzis delivered an impressive performance, advancing through the preliminary rounds to reach the final, where they earned the bronze medal in the men’s lightweight double sculls event.  This achievement marked a significant milestone in Papakonstantinou’s career, highlighting his dedication and skill in the sport of rowing.

Zoi Fitsiou, born on September 14, 1995, in Kozani, Greece, is a distinguished rower specializing in lightweight events. She has achieved significant success, including a silver medal In the lightweight single sculls at the 2022 European Rowing Championships. In 2023, she partnered with Milena Kontou in the lightweight double sculls, securing a silver medal at the European Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia. The duo continued their success with another silver at the 2024 European Rowing Championships in Szeged, Hungary. Their consistent performances earned them a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they clinched the bronze medal in the women’s lightweight double sculls event, marking a significant achievement in Greek rowing history.

Eleftherios Petrounias won the 3^rd place on the steel rings at the olympics of 2024. The final took place in Paris on the 4^th August 2024. He was placed behind the two chimese athletes Liu Yang and Zou Jimgyuan. With this achievement he became the first person to win three medals on this event at the Olympic Games. He has competed other two times. He has already achieved a bronze medal at the previous Olympics in Japan in 2020 and a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 2016 in Brazil. He has also participated in the European Championships of many years and won gold medal in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 and bronze medal in 2011 and 2023. He has been three times World Champion in 2015, 2017 and 2018 and vice World Champion in 2023. He was named the Greek Male Athlete of the Year for four consecutive years (2015-2018) as well.

Emmanouil Karalis won the 3^rd place on pole vault at the Olympics of 2024. The final took place in Paris on the 5^th August 2024. He was placed behind the Swedish champion Armand Duplantis and the American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks. Karalis managed to jump 5,90 meters in order to obtain this place. He had already participated once again in the Olympic Games of 2020 in Tokyo where he was placed fourth at the final. He has competed in various championships in European and international level. He took 2^nd place at the European Athletics U23 Championships in 2019 and 2021. He also competed in the European Indoor Championships in 2023 and the European Outdoor Championships in 2024 winning a silver medal and in the World Indoor Championships where he got a bronze medal. He is holding the Greek national record, which is 5.86 meters indoors and 6 meters outdoors.

Dauren Kurugliev took the 3^rd place on freestyle wrestling in the class of 86kg. He defeated Myles Amine of San Marino with the score of 5-4, fighting for the bronze medal. The final match for the Russian-Greek wrestler took place in Paris on the 9^th of August 2024. This is the first time that Kurugliev participated in the Olympics. At the first years of his career and the first tournaments that he took part he was representing Russia. Although, since 2023 he represents Greece in international level. In general, he has won multiple junior titles, such as the Russian Junior National Championships in 2011. He also competed in the World Cup of 2015. He took the 1^st place at the Individual Wrestling World Cup in 2024 and won in the European Championships in 2023 and 2024.